Champaign vs Chicago: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Champaign, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,117 | $105,213▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.93 | $50.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,093▲ | $77,949 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,630 | $90,595▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,138 | $107,396▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,439 | $124,259▲ |
| Total Employed | 170 | 6,470▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Champaign.
The salary gap between Champaign and Chicago is $20,096 (23.61%). Chicago's median is +2.20% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $24,346,Chicago spans $46,310. Chicago has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($101,562 effective) pays 10.61% more than Champaign ($91,816 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,213/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,259)
- ✓Larger job market (6,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,562)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Champaign grew 31.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 30.8% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$61,810 (2020) → $81,110 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$76,640 (2020) → $100,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Champaign or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Champaign to Chicago as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Champaign vs Chicago?
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov